Convection Oven Roast Chicken (For Toaster Oven)

Chef Joey Z.'s Note:

I replaced my regular toaster oven with a convection toaster oven a few years ago and I have to say it was the best thing I could have done. I have used this toaster oven extensively as it does help keep the kitchen cooler then using the big oven. I didn't have any lemons so used limes instead. I used a 5 pound chicken but a 3 1/2-4 pound chicken can also work here.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (5 lb) roasting chickens
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• fresh herb (rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, etc.,1/4-inch sprig)
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and cut in half
• 1 small onion, peeled and quartered (about 2 ounces)
• 4 slices lemon zest (1/2-x-3-inches each)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Place the toaster oven rack to the lowest position in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F on the convection setting.
2. Remove giblets and neck from cavity of chicken, reserve for another use or discard. Rinse chicken with cold water and pat dry.
3. Place a baking rack into the broiling pan (that is lined with foil) add 1/4 cup water to the pan and lightly spray the baking rack with cooking spray.
4. Tuck the wings under and place the chicken on the baking rack pan. Clean work surface and hands with soap and hot water before continuing.
5. Combine the salt and pepper. Rub half the mixture in the cavity of the chicken; then place the herb sprig(s), garlic halves, onion quarters and lemon zest in the cavity of the chicken.
6. Loosely tie the legs together. Rub the chicken with the olive oil and remaining salt and pepper. Drizzle with the lemon juice.
7. Place the chicken in the oven and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 375°F and continue to roast for an additional 12 minutes per pound longer.
8. Considering my chicken was 5 lbs. I will roast it for 60 minutes. You will have to calculate the time according to your chicken's weight by multiplying 12 minutes times the size per pound of your chicken.
9. The Internal temperature of the chicken should be 170°F when tested in the breast, and 180°F when tested in the dark meat.
10. Juices should run clear.
11. Turn off oven and remove the chicken to a platter. Let stand 10 - 15 minutes before carving (may cover loosely with foil if desired, but skin will lose its crispness).
12. Bon Appetit!

Reviews

[Gardenforhealth]

I wanted to find more ways to use my convection toaster oven. It took me a while to try this recipe, I wish I had tried it sooner. The skin came out crispy and golden brown. The meat was tender and moist. And the pan was full of fat that had cooked off. Every one loved it and begged for seconds. It was even delicious the next day cold out of the oven, not greasy and slimy like some chicken gets. I will be cooking many more chickens this way.

[MissouriMama]

Best convection oven-roasted chicken recipe EVER! I signed up on this site just to rate this recipe. lol I Googled for a "roasted chicken recipe" and came upon this one and boy am I glad I did. It's wonderful. Chicken is crispy and tasty on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Kudos to Chef Joey Z. for a real winner.